Balıklı Plateau

The period from late May to September offers both the most intense greenery and the most suitable weather conditions for camping. Visitors state that the plateau looks impressive even in May. Even in summer, temperatures drop at night; campers in June have written that they felt cold. In winter, when there is snow cover, those who want to go sledding prefer it, but road conditions can be difficult during this period.

36 kilometers from Düzce city center in the direction of the Elmacık Mountains. There are two different entrance roads. The road from Taşkesti is smoother and the preferred route. The road on the Efteni Lake side is not recommended due to frequent landslides. When you reach Pürenli Plateau, a sign directs you to Balıklı Plateau; the two plateaus are very close to each other.

Most of the road is asphalt, and a stabilized dirt road continues after entering the plateau road. It can be reached by passenger car. However, if you are overly fond of your car, you might feel a bit uneasy due to the stony and earthy surfaces.

For those who want to visit for a day, see the stream, and have a picnic, 2-3 hours are sufficient. If you are planning to camp, staying one night is more fulfilling to experience the night atmosphere of the plateau, the sound of the stream, and the stars. One visitor shared that during their one-night camp, the plateau residents lit a fire and showed warm hospitality.

There is no phone signal; none of the three major operators have coverage. Downloading a map before setting off will make your job easier. There is a toilet next to the mosque, but there is no electricity connection. Since there are no trash bins on the plateau, you need to take your trash back with you. Forest fires have been a worrying issue in the region in recent years, so it is essential to be careful when lighting a fire.

Balıklı Plateau is connected to Pürenli Plateau; it is possible to visit both plateaus on the same day. Some travelers planned to camp in Güzeldere but changed their route to Balıklı Plateau when they found it crowded. When climbing higher in the Elmacık Mountains, other plateaus are encountered, making for a good itinerary for a one-day plateau tour.

The stream winding through the plateau and the wooden plateau houses along its banks are the most photographed scenes. The moments when the fog hangs over the forest in the morning are also a sight sought after by photography enthusiasts. The forest texture, a mixture of pine, hornbeam, and beech, attracts attention with its color transitions, especially in autumn.

Plateau residents generally help campers; some visitors have shared that they opened their homes, lit fires, and showed hospitality. The water source is stated to be clean and drinkable, so there is no need to carry water. It is important not to come unprepared in a technical sense: there is no electricity, no phone signal, and night temperatures drop even in summer months.

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